Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts

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Vols：Painting

Page：610

Mogao Cave 17: Kalika

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907); Ink and color on paper; 43.5 x 26 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
The inscription in Tibetan at the bottom of this early 9th century work identifies the central figure as Kalika, one of the Sixteen Arhats, the great early disciples of the Buddha. Depicted as a Chinese monk sitting on a mat in full lotus position, Kalika looks calm and focused. He wears a robe, forms a mudra with his left hand, and holds a bowl in his right. The red nimbus is outlined with flame patterns. A canopy is painted at the top of the picture. On the right, a pouch hangs from a hook on a monk's staff.

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